Drug Ratings for ZYRTECAverage Rating: 2.1 (1498 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken from longest to shortest Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ZYRTEC | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 4 | Allergies and related asthma | Withdrawal causes terrible itching. The drug works great for me. It stops allegic symptoms and does not cause me side effects. However, if I miss a morning pill, the itching begins by early evening. It starts on my palms and feet, and then spreads up my legs. If I scratch, it gets all red and itches worse. I went to an allergist who was skeptical that it could be withdrawal. She said that the drug might be surpressing underlying hives that return when the drug stops. But I have never had hives and it happens every time like clockwork. So, I am just staying on the drug for now. | M | 44 | 7 years | 4/18/2008 | 4 | allergies | EXCESSIVE weight gain, constantly tired, hard to sleep. | I've been on Zyrtec for nearly 7 years. It is currently the only medicine on the market that helped me breathe...however I've gained nearly 80 pounds while on it. I still work out 3-4 times a week at the gym, and walk daily. It's like exercise effects in reverse. Since Zyrtec went OTC, my allergies are back in high gear and I take the Walgreens version which works like the Rx version of Zyrtec. My sister has been on Zyrtec for 5 years and not only did she hit the massive weight gain too-- she was the nicest person before taking it--now she's a nightmare--from nice and calm to violent rage in less than a second! My doctor blamed me turning 30 as the reason for weight gain and even put me on a high protien, low carb diet...did it work--absolutely not. The excessive weight triggers my asthma so then around the circle we go again being prescirbed steroids to calm my lungs down. While it works for my allergies great...it's not worth it. | F | 30 | 7 years | 6/12/2008 | 1 | seasonal allergies | skin rash, itching/burning skin. | I initially began taking for seasonal hay fever about 7 yrs ago. When the season was coming to a close I stopped taking it, then I had terrible skin rashes and uncontrollable itching. I went to the urgent care center - they couldn't find anything wrong. On a whim I decided to try a zyrtec pill to see if that would work - it made the symptoms go away, so I've been taking it ever since. A co-worker told me about the zyrtec withdrawal effects, so I stopped taking it - cold turkey. It took about 2 weeks for the insane itching to stop, I FORCED myself not to scratch anything - mind over matter. Now I'm "clean" | F | 24 | 7 years | 8/25/2008 | 1 | Seasonal Allergies | WEIGHT GAIN - HAIR LOSS - BLURRED VISION - MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS | I stopped taking Zyrtec 7 days ago and the withdrawal is terrible. Intense itching on hands, legs and scalp. Prior to taking this, I was slender and in great health. I am not taking any other medication. In the seven years I have been taking Zyrtec, I have gained 20 lbs. I have not changed eating or fitness levels. I began noticing hair loss four years ago. My menstrual cycles have gone crazy and my vision has changed as now I need glasses to read and sometimes cannot focus for the first couple of hours each morning. My advice: DO NOT TAKE ZYRTEC!! | F | 43 | 7 years | 7/29/2009 | 1 | For allergy related dizziness | EXTREME ITCHING FOR WEEKS AFTER QUITTING ZYRTEC. I feel so sorry for everyone that will start taking this medicine now that it is OTC. When you try to stop taking zyrtec you will have the worst itching all over your body and it will last for weeks, maybe months. I have tried to stop zyrtec several times in the past 7 years and have been unsuccessful. I am trying again and the painful itching feels like fire ants are attacking every part of your body. There are quite a few sites popping up now with information in regards to this effect. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT!! Spread the word. There should be a major lawsuit against Pfizer for allowing this drug in the marketplace with no warning of this side-effect. | DON'T TAKE ZYRTEC - YOU WILL REGRET IT!! | F | 30 | 7 years | 2/14/2008 | 1 | Sesonal Allergies | Fatigue, Lack of motivation and concentration, muscle fatigue, heart adding a beat off and on, and nervousness feeling. | I have been taking zyrtec for about 7 years and have taken it off and on each year for allergies. I have never put two and two together before, but I have always lost my energy and motivation after taking zyrtec. I always thought my lack of energy was from the allergies. Its been getting worse and worse year after year, so i finally did research and look what i found; looks like i am not the only person with this side effect. I have stopped using zyrtec for a week now and still am not feeling myself and am wondering how long it took before people felt like it was totally out of their system. I am stopping zyrtec all together and I hope my allergy shots will be enough to get me through the seasons. I am not using any other medicines - only saline nose spray and the occasional IBprofin. | M | 33 | 7 years | 3/18/2008 | 1 | Allergies (year round) | Needed 9 -10 hours of sleep a night. Lethargy, couldn't concentrate at work, heart palpitations, heart thumping, dry nose. Now that I'm w/drawing - can't sleep past 3 am, migraine, dizzyness. | I've been off Zyrtec for a week to 10 days, and I was hoping to find some information on how to deal with the w/drawal symptoms. I've tried several times over the years to withdraw but after 3 days, the itchy sneezy nose would return with a huge migraine. Since being on shots for 3 years has helped I thought I'd try again and found that not only did I get multiple days of migraines (in spite of taking Rx for it), I can't sleep past 3 am. But I'm tired all the time, exhausted. For several days, I was extremely dizzy to the point of falling if I tried to stand. I'm worried because I have 3 kids on this drug, and wondering if they should come off, esp since one has depression and is on meds for that. This site has helped a great deal. But I still don't know what to do about the withdraw symptoms. If anyone has gone off with success, I would like to hear about it. Thanks! | F | 47 | 7 years | 10/1/2007 | 1 | Allergies | Extreme tiredness and seemingly little relief of symptoms. Daughter also taking it and getting stomach upset as well as tiredness and crankiness. | Ack, the itching! I am sooo glad I found this site and can see that I am not alone. I stopped taking this a few years ago because it seemed to be doing nothing for me. But then I broke out head to toe in hives. We had just moved from CA to NY and I assumed I was more severely allergic to something there in NY and that the med was in fact doing something for me. So I continued to take it. Then I had to do without it for a few days when my pharmacy ran out and were slow to restock. Again broke out in hives. Moved to WA and noticed that I was getting more and more tired to the point of being non-functional. Found this site when looking up side effects of another med and decided to look up all the ones I was taking. Was astounded to read that the itching was a withdrawal symptom of stopping the med. Decided just to stop it and tough it out. It has been a week now. Still get periodic bouts of itchiness but it's mild compared to what it was at first. After about 24 hours of | F | 47 | 7 years | 4/8/2007 | 1 | Allergies | extreme anxiety, extreme depression, rage, anger, violent dreams, hopelessness, sleeplessness, paranoia, fatigue, increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, irritability, inability to concentrate, personality change, and suicidal thoughts. | I have been living in hell because of Zyrtec, it drained the life out of me and i had no idea what was going on, I have been off for about 12 days and have been so much more at peace, all the symptoms are slowly going away, within 48 hours no depression no anxiety, the only thing now is the itch that lasts for 2-3 weeks called zyrtec withdrawal | M | 30 | 7 years 10MG 1X D | 2/18/2011 | 5 | Allergies | drowsy, can't take in the morning, always take at night, really increases effects of alcohol, can't even drink a beer w/o getting drowsy | I have taken this drug for 6 years and it is definitely the best antihistamine, I've ever taken. I have taken Claritin, Clairnex, and Allegra and many more before those and nothing out there works better than Zyrtec. I wish I didn't have to take it every day though. The most I can go without it is 24 hrs once I reach 36 hrs, I feel horrible! Zyrtec has really helped keep my asthma at bay as well. | F | 37 | 6 years | 4/22/2006 | 5 | severe chronic hives | I was asked by a doctor to take 10mg in am and 10mg in pm. As far as I know I had no side effects. I am currently looking into racing heart, however I believe mixing herbs with the zyrtec may have caused the problem with the racing heartbeat. Doctor recommends me to stop all herbs and zyrtec. | At first it did not work for me. It took several months to really kick in, weird I know. I was taking 2 per day at first. After a few years I found I could get by with 1 per day. Now I have been off for 72 hours and so far so good. I still have to give God the credit for healing me. | M | 55 | 6 years | 5/4/2006 | 5 | Severe allergies | Makes me tired so take it at bed time. If take it in the morning it makes me too tired. | The best antihistimine period and I have taken them all! Works on dust, mold, pet dander especially and seasonal allergies. I just love it! I wish all medicines worked as well as zyrtec. | F | 37 | 6 years | 10/10/2006 | 5 | allergies | Drowsiness, increased fatigue and probable weight gain. | I have been taking Zyrtec for several years and it works GREAT in regard to allergies. BUT - I have always had a high metabolism and been skinny, very active, eat an incredibly healthy diet, etc. and so I have been unable to explain my mysterious weight gain over the past few years until I came across this site and learned that it could well be a side effect of the Zyrtec! I am also using Flonase which is likewise implicated. My hair has also been falling out over this same time period. I have not had any abnormal lab tests to explain this. I am going to quit both meds immediately. I would rather have a stuffy nose than be fat and bald! | F | 44 | 6 years | 7/16/2007 | 5 | Chronic Sinusitis | None | I've tried everything. Zyrtec is the only one that makes me feel somewhat normal as far as my daily battle with my sinuses. I haven't ever noticed any side effects, weight gain? Mabye? But I work in an office where we eat poorly so I really dont think the Zyrtec caused any weight gain. TOO expensive and insurance doesnt help us with this medication. We have to go to TJ were we can get 30 pills for about 30 dollars. Perscription in the US costs me about $80 a month! But I need it to breath so we make the drive. If the other allergy medications they're giving you dont work...Give Zyrtec a chance. Its worth trying it to stop the horrible sinus symptoms. | F | 28 | 6 years | 11/6/2007 | 5 | sinusitis from allergies | relaxes me when I take it at night | Zyrtec is the only allergy medicine I have taken that actually works and does not give me bad side effects. When I take it daily it keeps my sinuses clear, and I no longer have itchy watery eyes and ears. Without Zyrtec, I cannot breathe through my nose. This medicine has greatly improved my enjoyment of life and I am so glad it does not give me any bad side effects! | F | 52 | 6 years 10mg 1X D | 5/20/2013 | 4 | Yr round allergies cat,dog,dust etc | Drowsiness. Possibly a cause of stomach cramps and loose bowels after missing a pill. Possibly a cause of my paranoia. Please email me if you've had similar symptoms. | I started Zyrtec 6 yrs ago when claritin and allegra wore off for me. Its amazing for my allergies. 5 yrs ago I was also on an antibiotic for acne and I stopped the antibio after 2 yrs because i thought it was the cause of my stomach cramps and loose bowels, which happens variably. Recently, two seperate stomach incidents have happened the day after missing a zyrtec pill the night before. I also have noticed an increase in my paranoid thinking. I am going to stop the pill to see if my stomach prob and paranoid thoughts decrease. | F | 21 | 6 years | 6/9/2008 | 4 | allergies | just dry mouth | I'm one of the few lucky people who are not sedated by zyrtec. In fact I am more tired when I don't take it, due to the allergies getting worse. It doesn't work as well for the past few years, but still better than anything else | F | 29 | 6 years | 5/25/2008 | 4 | allergies | none | Zyrtec (cetirizine) works quite well for me, but it does not alleviate all the symptoms during allergy peaks. It works best for my eyes, somewhat for my nose and not at all for my throat and lungs. When I have a cold and a dripping nose, I combine it with phenylephrine (ingredient of Sudafed). I have taken Zyrtec a long time without (noticeable) side effects. Now I use generic medicins and capsules prepared at the local pharmacy that contain the active ingredients. Again, no side effects. After reading some other medicine ratings, it becomes clear to me that almost no one, from what must be millions of people, that have good results with 'rated' medicines, post on this site, which gives an overwhelming negative bias. Although no one can guarantee that *every* medicine works as described and is free of side effects or danger for *everyone*, it is too easy to make them a scapegoat for all your personal problems. If you feel insane after taking Zyrtec, I would put my money on the fact tha | M | 31 | 6 years | 6/22/2008 | 4 | Allergies to pollen, dust and molds | 5mg Zyrtec works just fine for my symptom control. I have been on 5mg for the last 6 years.(I now split the 10mg. OTC in half) 10mg causes blurry vision about 2-6 hrs. after taking it. I recommend it IF you monitor your symptoms vs. side effects. I tried Claritin but became EXTREMELY AGITATED AND IRRITABLE after only 1 dose. I tried Claritin again to make sure of the side effects. Same results. | Buy the generic when it is on sale at Rite-Aid. You will save a TON of money. | M | 53 | 6 years | 10/26/2008 | 3 | chronic hives/ dermatographism | Uncontollable/binge eating, constant hunger, difficulty waking in the morning, inability to concentrate, social withdrawal, excessive daytime sleepiness and marked increase in allergic symptoms. When I have to stop taking the drug, I quickly develop a head to toe stinging, burning rash just as others describe and insomnia which I have never had. I hope this will pass. Anyone successfully get off this med? Do the withdrawal symptoms subside? | I am highly allergic to numerous foods and environmental triggers and this is the one drug that would control my chronic hives. However, my hives seem to have worsened considerably since beginning the drug - especially when I miss a dose or have to stay off for a few days. That burning, stinging head to toe rash everyone is talking about is nearly unbearable. I asked Dr. and he said this drug can make you "hypersensitive." I had to discontinue the drug briefly for further allergy testing and may not take this ever again. Very concerned about the side effects and the moral implications of an allergy drug that aggravates the symptoms so that you MUST continue taking the drug. | F | 34 | 6 years | 1/24/2007 | 3 | seasonal and cat allergies | none | I have never had any side effects whatsoever to Zyrtec (unlike everyone else posting here). It has worked somewhat for my allergies. I'm starting to think I've become immune to it though. | F | 24 | 6 years | 5/31/2007 | 3 | plant and pet allergies | itchiness, dry mouth, sore throat | I LOVE this drug because I can breathe and be around my dog or in my garden. I DISLIKE this drug because I get so dried out it's painful, and the rebound effect if I miss a dose is twice as bad as my allergies were before I started taking it. After my dog is no longer with us I will discontinue and not get a new dog. Until then I will take this every single day, it is worth it. | F | 46 | 6 years | 11/11/2008 | 3 | Chronic Hives | I've been taking it for six years. For the last eight months, my hair has been falling out. I'm female, so it's very distressing. My hair is getting very thin. I'm not sure it's the Zyrtec. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow. It is the only medication that works in controlling my hives. Full hair and hives or bald and hiveless. Decisions, decisions. | F | 48 | 6 years | 4/24/2006 | 2 | Year around allergies | OCD, Irrational and extremely unwanted thoughts, a little depression. | I just came upon this website in the past few days and by chance, I was searching for things about OCD. For the past 6 years, since October 2001, I have been thinking irrational thoughts that I don't want to have. These thoughts were worse when I was bored. When I wasn't bored, they kind of went away, but were still there a little. But since June 2007, they picked up a lot again because my schedule has changed to allow me to have more free time. But now everything adds up; I started taking Zyrtec in October 2001 and this may be what is causing these weird thoughts. I am still on it, but I have to get off it. However, I'll have bad allergies, but its better to live with allergies than these thoughts. | M | 22 | 6 years | 11/21/2007 | 1 | Allergies: cats, ragweed, molds etc | Depression/PMS, fatigue, loss of libido, trouble waking up in the morning, feeling robotic, loss of motivation, loss of creativity | My story is very similar to a lot of people's who have posted on this board. I stopped taking Zyrtec last week to let things drain after a bad cold, and since then I am like a new person. (Thank goodness, no withdrawal symptoms.) I started taking Zyrtec in 2000 and there are a lot of things I am just now realizing must have been side effects, because they started soon after I started taking it: a depression diagnosis, not being able to write or have new ideas, and increasing fatigue that had me falling asleep at the wheel and in meetings, religious services, and more. I lost a job because I could not get up on time while taking Zyrtec. I blamed a lot of this on "my depression" (trying to be responsible and "own" my problem) or on getting old (I'm 36!). Like most people on this board, I would rather have an itchy allergy nose than be the sleepy, depressed robot I've been for the last 6 years or so! | F | 36 | 6 years | 9/21/2007 | 1 | Hives | Mood Swings, Aggresive, Socially cut off, Lack of concentration, severe drowsiness. | This is an addictive drug. I have been taking it for past 6 years (5mg everyday). Finally gathered a courage to stop taking it and its my 3rd day and i am feeling SO HORRIBLE. The hives appeared and they are worst than what i started taking this medicine for. I have not tried anything else other than this med. I am going to doctor tomorrow to find alternative medicine. | M | 31 | 6 years | 1/22/2007 | 1 | allergies | hands and feet swellings body aches. SLEEPINESS. DEPRESSION. I think it is a horrible drug. I stopped for a three days and was feeling much better. ( I was trying to see if Zyrtec was the problem) I took one last night. Nightmares hands,feet, backache body aches are back. I am THROUGH with Zytrec. I can take the 12.5 mg meclinzine You can ask druggist for it OTC. I will take that when I need it for allergies. I have been on Zyrtec on and off for years, and now I know I am not crazy!!!! | HORRIBLE DRUG!!!! | F | 65 | 6 years | 10/18/2006 | 1 | allergies, sinus | I would strongly caution any person taking this medication to keep a running tab on your mood. While I took this drug I experienced basically constant "pms" symptoms and did not understand why until I thought to check other experienced side effects of the only medication I was taking...Zyrtec. I discovered I was not the only one who had horrifying night terrors, fits of anger and full on panic attacks for no reason, all while taking zyrtec at normal, regular doses. I was also tired basically all the time. After my research I have stopped the meds, bought a neti pot and eat local honey. No more drugs for me. I feel MUCH more in control and, funny, my allergies are better now than on the meds. Please be careful if you are giving this to your little ones! | All though it did help my allergies a LITTLE, it was not worth the horrible side effects of depression, anxiety and night terrors :( | F | 26 | 6 years 10mg 1X D | 1/20/2012 | 1 | allergies | So many they will not all fit. The worst is that now my 10 yr old has seizures. And we now have to take her to a specialest. also was told she was ADD and she isnt..... | want to warn all parents,dont give this drug to your child.. Also We the parents want to sue the company who has made this drug.... | F | 10 | 6 years | 5/24/2008 | 5 | indoor alergies | None. maybe a little tired, but I take it at night. 10mg | I love animals. and if it wasn't for Zyrtec I wouldn't be able to lay with my cat at night or survive cleaning the house due to all the dust. It is an amazing thing that I just simply cannot live without. I have been on claritin too, doesn't work... for me. | F | 19 | 5 years | 3/11/2009 | 5 | Chronic urticaria | no side effects | Zyrtec controls my hives along with Allegra without making my heart race. | F | 58 | 5 years | 9/19/2009 | 5 | Seasonal Allergies | My children and I take Zyrtec - it is amazing! BEST STUFF EVER! | My family swears by it. | F | 46 | 5 years 10 mg 1X D | 3/29/2012 | 5 | Indoor and Outdoor Allergies | No side effects at 10mg. Higher doses tend to make me sleepy. | This is the best antihistamine for my allergies. I only take it during bad allergy season or if I am cleaning the house (dust allergies). I have tried both name brand and drugstore generics, both work well. | F | 40 | 5 years 10 mg 1X D | 6/9/2012 | 5 | Cronic Hives | Fatigue, Weight Gain, low sex drive | Zyrtec is the only thing that works on my hives to keep them under control. I was on a dose of 2 times per day and have been slowly cutting down to 1/2 a pill (5mg) a day. When i try to stop completly, i get headaches and hive right away. After reading the board I finally know i'm not crazy. | F | 43 | 5 years | 3/3/2006 | 5 | general hay fever | Dry Eyes and Nostrils. Minimal side effects with a 5 mg dose. Significantly greater effects with the normal 10 mg dose. | I only use Zyrtec on an as needed basis about once per week most of the year and two to four times per week during the spring pollen season. A 5 mg dose works great for controlling my allergy symptoms. Both my doctor and pharmacist said it was okay to cut the 10 mg tablets in half, so, I am using a pill cutter to do that. | M | 62 | 5 years | 8/25/2006 | 5 | Severe Allergies | I have had a few of the symptoms but never connected the two. Heart palpatations when under alot of stress, some hair loss, but since on multivitamins and DanActive has restored new hair growth, some vision blurring on and off, can not take at bedtime because I don't sleep well, take in morning with my tea to prevent sleepiness - no other caffiene drinks during the day or night consumed, only water, milk and juices. | Been on zyrtec for about five years and during these past few years I have been able to eat foods I have been severely allergic to in strides. I DO NOT recommend anyone doing this without the consult of your doctor, my family says I am playing russian roulette here. I am free of any allegy affects of all kinds. I also exercise running, jump on trampoline and swim. I also use flonase nasil spray sometimes before I fly for my ears and when I think the zyrtec is not effective enough (very few days of this occurrance - three times a year average). I am sure not everyone can have the pleasure of zyrtec working for them - but from what I read it seems to help the majority. It could be possible the side effects are allegic reations to the medicine. Not all allegies are hives, eye & nose watery and ichy and shortness of breath, it could be vomiting, lethargy and bowel problems (IBS symptoms)as well. I have experienced this from food allergies on many occassions. | F | 45 | 5 years | 5/9/2006 | 5 | Severe, Year-Round Allergies | none | Zyrtec is the only allergy drug that has worked for me. Claritin and Allegra do nothing to relieve my itchy throat, eyes, and nose. There are warnings of drowsiness, but I have not experienced this, nor any other side effects related to taking this medicine. My major allergies are every type of grass, oak and pine pollen, seasonal weeds, cats, shedding dogs, dust...you name it, I'm probably allergic to it. March and April are the absolute worst months for my allergies, and Zyrtec helps to minimize my torment, though, during these months, Zyrtec cannot completely eliminate my symptoms. | M | 26 | 5 years 10 mg 1X D | 4/6/2010 | 5 | annual allergies | NONE | I could not live a life wothout this drug. When I turned 30 I became allergic to everything..mold, trees, pollen, dogs, grasses, you name it!! I take this at night before I go to bed because it actually works better during the next day if I don't have to wake up allergic and then try to stop it. Actually suppresses it. I find that I don't get as many colds during the year now that allergies are under control. | F | 34 | 5 years | 5/2/2006 | 5 | allergic rhinitis, rash, hives | No negative side effects. Not even drowsiness. I can take it in the morning. | This has been a miracle drug for me. I can live with a cat now, tolerate dust, mold, pollens, etc. Zyrtec is the only allergy med that worked for me. Improved my allergic conjunctivitis & rash as well. | F | 35 | 5 years | 6/6/2007 | 5 | Seasonal and pet allergies | Mild tiredness. | I love Zyrtec! I had to go off it during pregnancies and MAN did I miss it! I just went to renew my scrip and my insurance company has dictated that I have to try Allegra first before I can go back on Zyrtec so I'm completely irritated by that. Anyway - Zyrtec is the only drug I've found that allows me to be symptom free during the height of spring and fall allergy seasons. Plus, when I had a pet, I was able to be around it and not suffer. Yes, tiredness was a factor, but I could handle it since I was able to breathe! | F | 39 | 5 years | 5/31/2007 | 5 | year-round allergies | none | Once had to go off it for 10 days for a thyroid test of some type and experienced really bad itching everywhere. My doc said he couldn't explain that, but within months the drug became recommended for hives. Now I'm afraid to ever stop it, but it really does help my allergies. | F | 50 | 5 years | 10/19/2007 | 5 | allergies | Nothing else gets rid of the headaches & runny nose like Zyrtec. It's great. | F | 55 | 5 years | 9/30/2007 | 5 | seasonal allergies | none | very hepful | F | 47 | 5 years | 8/15/2007 | 5 | terrible allergies | Just drowsiness for the first few days. It passed and I don't think I've had any problems. Taking it for years. Excellent med and now OTC generic. | I think overall it's probably the most effective allergy med out there short of shots, steroids, etc. I have terrible allergies - dust mites, pets, etc.- and all the other stuff did nothing for me. The reactions I'm reading from small children are probably related to adjusting to the drowsiness; children can't handle that as well as adults (I have four children...). My kids were on and off of it for years and I never had problems. IMHO I think a lot of the bad experiences mentioned here are coincidental and not related to the Zyrtec. | M | 36 | 5 years | 1/16/2009 | 4 | Chronic allergies | I've been taking it for more than 5 years. I also use rhinocort and an albuterol inhaler the three of them improve my life significantly. For the last couple of years, I've been taking them every other day as opposed to every day. Recently, I've been getting hives and severe itching spells. I went back to daily, and initially the hives became less severe, they now are getting worse again. | A lower dosage is an over the counter drug in Canada and theres's a generic form of it as well - in Canada. | M | 45 | 5 years | 4/4/2007 | 4 | nasal allergies | dry mouth Don't take if you've been drinking I threw up one time. This is a very strong antihistimine. | Works great on keeping my allergies at bay. I have severe allergies so no medicine seems to help once pollen season hits especially oak pollen. Seems to work better on cat dander than dust or pollen maybe that is a lesser allergy for me. Overall, it is the best antihistimine I've tried. My allergies were terrible when I took Allegra. | F | 35 | 5 years | 3/27/2005 | 4 | anaphylaxis, allergies, dermatitis | Like most, I feel groggy most of the time. But it has saved my life a few times due to severe allergic reactions. The zyrtec slowed down reaction time and also gave me an opportunity to have a pet for the first time in my life. | I have taken Zyrtec for five years. I have developed a rash on my fingers and feet. My doctor called it hydro----? Anyway, I stopped taking zyrtec for a few weeks and it went away. Anyone else have this reaction? | F | 39 | 5 years | 6/29/2004 | 4 | seasonal and pet allergies | Maybe makes me a little tired. | I have bad allergies and Zyrtec is the best; if I go off it, I am sicker than a dog within two weeks. Recently started Flonase, felt better, then thought I could give up Zytec. I have a sinus infection and asthma (just developed), because I went off Zyrtec -- now I am back on, and it is helping. When I'd tried to go off, after three days I was itching like crazy all over, but that only lasted a day and a half (I think until I adjusted to being off). Anyway, I obviously cannot go without Zyrtec. Not being on it makes me so sick; my allergies are so bad this time of year especially, but I need to take it all year round. | F | 49 | 5 years 10 mg 1X D | 5/2/2010 | 4 | allergies: pollen,mold,dust,animals | Extreme dryness, stomach ache/bloating, constipation, panic attacks. Eventually, increased hunger, increased water retention. Also, extreme histamine rebound if I stop taking suddenly, after taking it regularly for a prolonged period. However... | ...through much trial and error over the years, I have learned to avoid or minimize these effects. First, 10mg is too high of a dose for me. I tend to cut the pill into quarters and take one quarter every other day, while necessary. Plus all of the obvious things: drink water more frequently, eat a simple balanced diet, get adequate sleep. Addition, I use a neti pot at least once a day. Mild, sweet candy helps with the dry throat. And I have found that the best time to take the Zyrtec dose is around lunchtime. When it's time to stop, I'll taper off by extending the interval to two days, then three, etc., while also reducing the dosage. If there is one thing I wish was different about Zyrtec, it's that I wish it came in smaller doses but still in pill form. | F | 35 | 5 years 10mg/day 1X D | 8/15/2010 | 4 | Year round allergies | Uncontrollable itching that starts on hands, feet, and scalp and moves to my whole body when I forget doses | Works great on my severe allergies. Forgetting doses is miserable though | F | 25 | 5 years 10mg 1X D | 1/4/2011 | 4 | allergies | no side effects except maybe a little unbalance/dizziness | This drug, no matter what it says otherwise in other places, is ADDICTIVE. I have to take it year round as I am highly allergic to many things. If I miss even one pill I get a terrible headche and feel so incredibly nauseous... until I take the pill and it goes away. Every time. It is scary to think it is addictive, but it works so well on my allergies, I can't stop taking it. I've tried EVERYTHING for my severe allergies and asthma and this works the best...just be prepared for what happens when you stop taking it. | F | 27 | 5 years | 11/9/2005 | 4 | Dermatographism | I experienced fatigue when I first started taking it, so switched dosage to bed time. Sleep like a baby with this stuff but getting up can be very hard. | I have to say that zyrtec has worked wonders for my dermatographism. I very rarely get itchy, and if I do, scratching only results in redness and not hives. However, I recently decided to try to come off of zyrtec to see if diet changes (removing gluten and dairy for a few weeks) would help the dermatographism. I have trouble believing that taking a drug for so long can be good for you. Anyways, so far (after only 3 days!), I have a ton more energy especially in the mornings, but my skin is borderline unbearable. I'm a little worried I won't be able to tell between itching from my actual dermatographism and any possible withdrawal symptoms from the zyrtec. The next few weeks should be interesting, but I'm determined to stay off this stuff! For anybody with dermatographism: Aloe and an ice cube work wonders for the bad flareups. | F | 25 | 5 years 10 mg 1X D | 11/5/2011 | 4 | Allergies | Dry mouth, mild sedative effect, more hungry all the time, some weight gain. | Zyrtec works well, but I do sometimes feel foggy and more tired at times. Hunger and weight gain are the only other issues, but, compared to the Claritin, I'd rather do without the anxiety. | M | 38 | 5 years | 12/29/2009 | 4 | seasonal allergies | significant drowsiness, persistent dry mouth, feeling "zoned out" and in a fog. Also seems like I lost my sense of smell and taste somewhat. | took this med during allergy season for several years. Even though it is advertised as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it makes me drowsy. It does work very well though, better than any other second generation anti-histamine in my opinion. I am going to try to start taking it at night and see if that helps. | M | 22 | 5 years | 4/4/2009 | 4 | Severe allergies | Facial and body tics | My 10 year old son had been taking Zyrtec for the better part of 5 years. He developed intermittent facial and body tics. If we were ever late on picking up his refill for Zyrtec, his tics would stop. Upon restarting the medication the tics would reappear. Although this medication worked wonderfully for his allergies, I don't think it's worth any risks. | M | 10 | 5 years | 3/3/2009 | 4 | Seasonal allergies | None for the first four years. Now suddenly extreme drowsiness. | Most comments on this forum must by psychosomatic. They don't make any sense considering what's in Zyrtec, unless these people are actually referring to Zyrtec D. Also, the progressive increase in people attributing anxiety/depression/anger to the drug, when looking at posts over time from 2005 to 2008 suggests that people are simply convincing themselves that Zyrtec is to blame, as they increasingly see others claim this. Typical psychological response and a case of 'groupthink'. Simply compare early responses with latter ones. | F | 26 | 5 years | 6/15/2008 | 3 | sinus headaches due to allergies | weight gain, irritability, depression, apathy | I quit taking zyrtec due to doctor advice when I had a severe sinus infection...the zyrtec was drying it out and keeping it from draining. Didn't start taking zyrtec again after the infection cleared...CRAZY ITCHING for WEEKS! I'm going nuts! How long does this last? I was always reminded when I ran out and missed for a few days because this itching would begin, but I never knew it would last THIS LONG!! The funny thing is that the allergy symptoms I had before zyrtec did NOT include itching at all. | F | 33 | 5 years | 5/6/2009 | 3 | seasonal allergies | it seems I can't stop taking Zertec now. Used to only use Sept-Nov every year when allergies kicked in. This year, however, when I try to stop taking my allergy symptoms come in with a vengence after missing one dose. Not sure if this is some kind of rebound or addiction happening. Also a lot of weight gain since Sept. | After reading all these comments I feel my suspicions that it is addictive may be true | F | 49 | 5 years 1X D | 1/22/2012 | 3 | Hives | Weight gain, drowsiness & hair loss | I started taking Zyrtec for hives. My allergist told me that if I took allergy shots for 2 yrs the hives may go away. However, that did not happen. I have since stopped taking shots and now take zyrtec to control the hives. Since I have been taking zyrtec, I have gained a lot of weight. I didn't even realize that it could be a side effect of the drug till I read everyone's comments. I have been trying so hard to loose weight but it has been a lost cause. After reading everyone's comments I know realize that weight gain seems to be a common side effect. I have been taking zyrtec daily for the past 5 yrs. I am now trying to take it at the onset of hives. I have been able to go a week w/o taking it. I have been suffering from other allergy symptoms but I can deal with those. I just need it to contol the hives. As long as there are no hives I am not going to take it. | F | 28 | 5 years | 4/8/2006 | 3 | Seasonal (now year-round) allergies | Did not recognize any negative side effects while taking Zyrtec - was just so happy it relieved the constant sneezing, dripping and watery eyes. But then realized what others were saying about sadness, irritability, tiredness, weight gain. I had all that, too. Thought it was just my work, the kids and getting older, etc. Lately, my nose was getting SO dried out, that it was painful to touch and constantly filled with crusty stuff, like scabs from little cuts. So, I went off Zyrtec. | Since getting off Zyrtec (cold turkey), after less than 1 week my nose is healing, but OMG the face itchiness!!! I never thought I'd have withdrawal symptoms! Having never experienced them before, I was really worried - my face is numb and tingling and I can't seem to stay still (restless). Now I know! Coming across this website is a lifesaver (I thought I was going crazy!). I am just waiting for all the side effects to eventually subside before I try something else. Of course, I am back to sneezing and water eyes, but it's worth a week of allergy suffering to get off this medication. Never again. So disappointing.... | F | 41 | 5 years 10 mg 1X D | 10/24/2011 |